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My first welding project: Welding Table

03-10-2009, 05:59 PM

Well, here it is. After pestering you guys with a bunch of n00b questions, i finally did it. this is my first welding project. i have never welded before, just thought it would be fun to pick up an extra skill set... and i have a wrought iron gate that needs to be repaired.

the frame is made with 2"x1" square tubing, i dont know how thick it is, but its the red stuff. top is 3/16 thickness and 2'x4'. With the top on, the table is 40 inches tall, I planned it this way so i can weld without bending over constantly. In addition, since the table is only 2 feet deep anyway, I wont have to reach over the top too much. All oxy/ac welded, as that's all that's available to me.

As i read on this and other forums, since i have no chops, i shouldn't weld the top onto the frame because it might cause heat distortion to the top, so when i need to use the top, i put it on and clamp it down. it will also work as a barebone table when i add more slats to the top part of the frame. eventhough i dont have a "legit" table since the top isn't welded on, I can see the positive side of being able to choose and get best of both barebone and table with a top. unfortunately, the top is heavy when i NEED the top. anyway, here's the pictures

You could drill thru the frame and table and thread the top so you could bolt the top on from the bottom. Then simply grind the excess bolt off flush. Then you can hammer/grind/vibrate and roll the thing around without fear

Comment

BTW...nice safety shoes...are those for mig only or will they work for stick as well?

Oh no, the picture was taken a day after all the welding was done. I wear leather work boots when I'm welding. My toes are ugly enough without molten metal to... but then again, molten metal might actually IMPROVE the looks of my toes

Comment

BTW...nice safety shoes...are those for mig only or will they work for stick as well?

Oh no, the picture was taken a day after all the welding was done. I wear leather work boots when I'm welding. My toes are ugly enough without molten metal to... but then again, molten metal might actually IMPROVE the looks of my toes

regarding bolting the top to the frame: I was going to do that, as someone advised me on another post but I'm not so sure anymore. I was working on a wrought iron gate (40" x 46 ") the clamps that clamp the top to the frame didnt get in the way at all, besides, i can just move the clamps. besides, i kind of like the idea of having a "convertible" table. Put the top on when i need that flat surface, and leaving the top off for when i dont need it.

Comment

You could drill thru the frame and table and thread the top so you could bolt the top on from the bottom. Then simply grind the excess bolt off flush. Then you can hammer/grind/vibrate and roll the thing around without fear

Another NOOB here....what's the diff between welding and bolting the top to the frame?